Toney racially abused online after goal as referees’ body admits VAR errors

Brentford have revealed striker Ivan Toney was once again subjected to racist abuse on social media after his equaliser against Premier League leaders Arsenal on Saturday.

Toney’s goal – which should have been ruled out by VAR for offside against Christian Nørgaard, who set him up – secured a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, denting the Gunners’ title charge and prompting a vile online reaction.

A post on the Bees’ official Twitter account on Sunday said: “Immediately after Brentford’s game against Arsenal, Ivan Toney received a barrage of abusive, racist direct messages via his Instagram account. We are disgusted and saddened that Ivan has had to deal with this yet again.”

The Premier League condemned the latest attack on Toney – who suffered similar abuse in October – and vowed to support the player and his club. A statement on the governing body’s official Twitter account said: “No one should have to face abuse of the kind received by Ivan Toney. It has no place in football or society. We are supporting Ivan and the club with investigations. The Premier League condemns all forms of discrimination. Football is for everyone.”

Toney’s strike – along with Pervis Estupiñán’s goal for Brighton which was wrongly ruled out for offside in their 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace – have proved talking points through the weekend with the Professional Game Match Officials Limited now accepting both were wrong calls.

The referees chief, Howard Webb, has contacted Arsenal and Brighton to explain “significant errors” in the VAR process during their matches on Saturday which were “due to human error”.

A statement read: “PGMOL can confirm its Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb has contacted both Arsenal and Brighton & Hove